Search results for ‘Subject term:"learning disabilities"’ Sort:
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'It's my life' autonomy and people with intellectual disabilities
- Authors:
- BJORNSDOTTIR Kristin, STEFANSDOTTIR Guorun V., STEFANSDOTTIR Astriour
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual Disabilities, 19(1), 2015, pp.5-21.
- Publisher:
- Sage
- Place of publication:
- London
This article discusses autonomy in the lives of adults with intellectual disabilities. The article draws on inclusive research in Iceland with 25 women and 16 men and employs ideas of relational autonomy from the perspectives of the Nordic relational approach to disability. In this article, the authors examine autonomy in relation to private life, that is, homes and daily activities. The article demonstrates how practices have improved with time and seem less paternalistic. However, the article also demonstrates that the assistance people with intellectual disabilities receive in their homes often has institutional qualities, and they are often met with belittling perspectives from staff and family members. Furthermore, many did not have access to important information needed to develop individual autonomy and independence, including making their own choices. The research findings suggest that people with intellectual disabilities can with appropriate support develop individual autonomy and make their own choices. (Edited publisher abstract)
Understanding of basic financial concepts among adults with mild learning disabilities
- Authors:
- SUTO W. M. I., et al
- Journal article citation:
- British Journal of Clinical Psychology, 45(2), June 2006, pp.261-266.
- Publisher:
- Wiley
In the context of recent legal and social policy developments, which encourage clinicians to support vulnerable adults in making their own financial decisions, we explored understanding of basic financial concepts among adults with mild learning disabilities. Using the literature about typically developing children, five measures entailing identification and ordering tasks were devised and were used to examine understanding of quantity, numbers and money among 30 men and women using specialist clinical services (mean FSIQ = 61.80; SD=10.59).The concept of quantity was easier to understand than those of numbers and money, and task difficulties increased with the magnitudes involved. The different types of conceptual understanding were closely related. These measures may be useful for analysing difficulties in, and informing interventions to maximize, independent financial decision making.
Maximising capacity to make financial decisions
- Authors:
- SUTO W.M.I., CLARE I.C.H., HOLLAND A.J.
- Journal article citation:
- Tizard Learning Disability Review, 10(3), July 2005, pp.4-11.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
This paper provides some guidance on how recent research into decision-making capacity can be used in clinical practice to maximise financial independence among adults with learning disabilities. Its key messages are (i) that capacity is changeable rather than fixed and static, and (ii) that an assessment of capacity is just a starting point for identifying and enhancing a person's strengths and addressing weaknesses. This first half of this paper contains and overview of some recent developments in social policy, capacity legislation and research. In the second half, a case study is discussed. It outlines some potential interventions for maximising financial capacity in different ways, as well as identifying some broad strategies for addressing difficulties in decision-making.
The Choice Questionnaire: a scale to assess choices exercised by adults with intellectual disability
- Authors:
- STANCLIFFE Roger J., PARMENTER Trevor R.
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Intellectual and Developmental Disability, 24(2), June 1999, pp.107-132.
- Publisher:
- Taylor and Francis
This article presents information on the development and evaluation of the Choice Questionnaire. The scale can be administered by interviewing the consumer or may be completed by a knowledgeable proxy. Used in either of these ways, the Choice Questionnaire was found to have very satisfactory reliability and validity. Its use as a research and evaluation tool is discussed.
Steps to independence – supporting every day decision making with computers
- Authors:
- OLDREIVE Warren, MOORE Neil, WAIGHT Mary
- Journal article citation:
- Journal of Assistive Technologies, 6(1), 2012, pp.53-61.
- Publisher:
- Emerald
Activities of daily living (ADL) often require an element of decision making or choice. The purpose of this paper is to introduce the use of computer software as a tool aimed at promoting independence in a range of ADLs. Specifically, the paper describes how a man with learning disabilities was supported in making everyday decisions. The man was working full time and living with minimal support on his own; however, he habitually contacted his parents to ask for advice on matters of everyday living, including the choice of clothes to wear, and his parents were finding it hard to continue to support him. To support him with his choice of clothing, software was constructed which focused on 3 elements: temperature; the weather; and his occupation for the day. The man demonstrated the ability to access the software and use the program to make decisions within sessions. Following this success, the program was expanded to support the man with information on who to contact and what to do in certain scenarios (such as being later for work or a household emergency). The man enjoyed using the tool and found it useful. The program will continue to evolve in line with future needs.
A life more ordinary
- Authors:
- COATES Sarah, BARNA Sara, WALZ Linda
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 8.7.04, 2004, pp.34-35.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
Reports on the findings of a small-scale longitudinal study which looked at whether supported living is associated with improvements in three aspects of quality of life: social networks, opportunities to make choices and exert control in daily life, and development of skills. The study focused on five people who had learning difficulties and high support needs. The results showed changes in social networks were limited, people were more involved in smaller everyday choices, and skills improved. The results raise questions about the meaning of supported living which both commissioners and staff need to consider.
Key considerations
- Author:
- WELLARD Sarah
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 14.6.01, May 2001, pp.24-25.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
The government white paper on learning difficulties promises that service users have more choice about where they live, but are local authorities ready for the challenge. Looks at existing provision and how services may develop.
Questions of control and assessment
- Authors:
- RYAN Tony, HOLMAN Andrew
- Journal article citation:
- Care Plan, 5(2), December 1998, pp.10-14.
- Publisher:
- Positive Publications/ Anglia Polytechnic University, Faculty of Health and Social Work
The introduction of Direct Payments for people with learning disabilities has been patchy since the passing of the Community Care (Direct Payments) Act 1996. Questions over 'consent', 'ability to manage' and 'control' are still impeding progress, particularly for people with learning disabilities. The authors call for a legally-based 'system of supported decision making' to fill a gap in our mental health law.
Independent support
- Author:
- GEORGE Mike
- Journal article citation:
- Community Care, 10.12.98, 1998, pp.34-35.
- Publisher:
- Reed Business Information
The author looks at the risks involved in providing support to someone with learning difficulties who doesn't recognise their own needs.
The case of the missing advocate
- Authors:
- HOLMAN Andrew, ASPIS Simone
- Journal article citation:
- Viewpoint, 26, March 1998, p.10.
- Publisher:
- Mencap/Gateway
Discusses the Lord Chancellor's consultation paper Who Decides?, Making Decisions on Behalf of Mentally Incapacitated Adults. The authors challenge the view that other people always know best.